For the past three years, the association has offered a piece of rural art as part of the seed sale. This year's featured artist is Arnprior-based Kevin Dodds whose vintage farm and rural scenes are depicted in paintings, numbered prints and on collector plates. Circular framed print Winter's Eve will be sold by association director and professional auctioneer John Joynt as part of this year's event. It's an early Ottawa Valley winter scene, depicting Grandma waving from the front porch of the cozy log home as family members head off in two horse-drawn sleighs.
KEEPING, EASTMAN AND DODDS AMONG FARM SHOW FEATURES
Dodds will have a booth on the Concourse, part of the new Country Home Centre which will highlight rural arts, crafts and specialty foods. Demonstration booths sponsored by the Seed Growers will feature the many uses of beans as shown by Kemptville College, and the Almonte- based Kintail Spinners and Weavers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
President Lynda McCuaig, (613) 822-0884;   Manager Tom Van Dusen, (613) 445-3407
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March 10, 2003

CJOH news anchor Max Keeping and Ottawa City Councillor Dwight Eastman will be special guests at the 2003 Ottawa Valley Farm Show March 18-20 at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa.

The only working farmer on Ottawa council, Eastman - who has announced he won't be a candidate in the next municipal election - will officially open the 76th edition of the agricultural trade show March 18, 12 noon, on the Concourse level of the Civic Centre.

Keeping, a tireless supporter of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, will open this year's Prestigious Pedigreed Seed Sale March 20, 12 noon, also on the Concourse. Proceeds from the sale are turned over to CHEO, with $40,000 raised since the event was initiated.

"We're very pleased that both Max and Dwight have agreed to be part of our show," said Lynda McCuaig, president of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association which sponsors the farm show featuring 320 exhibitors showcasing everything from the latest in farm machinery to the most innovative services for rural residents.

"Everybody is aware of Max's contributions to CHEO and to so many other causes," McCuaig said. "He has always been a big supporter of rural interests across Eastern Ontario. And Dwight is helping to keep rural concerns front and center on Ottawa council."